Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Meghan Markle’s Reported Gentlemen Role Withdrawn After UK Backlash
Meghan Markle was reportedly considering an acting role in a possible new season of The Gentlemen.
The show is a Netflix crime series connected to a Guy Ritchie film.
Reports said Markle was in advanced talks, but no contract had been signed.
Tina Brown later said the role was withdrawn because of strong criticism in the United Kingdom.
Netflix and the people involved have not confirmed that Markle was officially cast or dropped.
The show’s third season has not yet been formally approved.
Markle previously acted as Rachel Zane in Suits.
She is also expected to appear in a cameo in Close Personal Friends.
This report makes her possible return to acting in Britain less certain.
Meghan Markle was reportedly in advanced discussions for a role in The Gentlemen’s potential third season.
Tina Brown claimed the reported casting was withdrawn after intense backlash in the United Kingdom.
Netflix, Markle, Guy Ritchie and the production team have not officially confirmed the reported withdrawal.
The Gentlemen’s third season has not formally been renewed, and no contract had been signed with Markle.
The development creates uncertainty around Markle’s reported return to scripted acting in the UK.
- Who
- Meghan Markle, Tina Brown, Netflix, Guy Ritchie and The Gentlemen’s production team are central to the reports.
- What
- Markle was reportedly considered for a role in a potential third season of The Gentlemen, but the role was later reported to have been withdrawn.
- When
- Variety reported the casting discussions on August 22; Brown’s reported withdrawal claim followed shortly afterward. The series’ second season is scheduled for September 3.
- Where
- The reported backlash occurred in the United Kingdom. Markle and Prince Harry have been living in California, according to the reports.
- Why
- Tina Brown attributed the reported withdrawal to intense UK backlash, although the casting and its withdrawal have not been officially confirmed.
Reported Withdrawal
Official Uncertainty
Whether Markle lost the role
Reported Withdrawal
Tina Brown said the casting was withdrawn after intense backlash in the United Kingdom and that continuing had become untenable.
Official Uncertainty
Netflix, Markle, Guy Ritchie and the production team have not confirmed that Markle was cast, dropped or permanently excluded.
How advanced the project was
Reported Withdrawal
The Hollywood Reporter described Markle as being in advanced discussions for a role being developed for the potential third season.
Official Uncertainty
The reports also state that no contract had been signed and that the third season itself had not been formally renewed.
Impact on Markle’s acting return
Reported Withdrawal
Brown characterized the report as a setback for Markle’s possible acting comeback in the UK.
Official Uncertainty
Because the casting was never officially announced, the project’s effect on Markle’s future acting work remains uncertain.
- Reported project
- The Gentlemen, a Netflix series created by Guy Ritchie and inspired by his 2019 film
- Reported role status
- The role was reportedly withdrawn, but no official confirmation has been issued
- Casting status
- Markle was reportedly in advanced discussions, with no contract signed
- Season status
- The third season has not formally received a renewal or official green light
- Backlash claim
- Tina Brown said criticism in the United Kingdom made proceeding untenable
- Series premise
- Theo James plays aristocrat Eddie Horniman, who discovers that his family estate is connected to a criminal enterprise
- Other acting appearance
- Markle is set to make a cameo in Close Personal Friends
- Second-season release
- The second season is scheduled to premiere on September 3
